At least 23 killed in Baidoa clashes between rival military factions

Heavy fighting broke out early Monday at several military bases belonging to Somalia's federal government and the South West State administration in Baidoa, located in the Baay region. Residents reported large explosions followed by direct clashes between opposing forces, as troops loyal to former South West State president Abdiaziz Laftagareen launched an assault against forces aligned with regional leader Aden Madobe and federal president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The attack included gunfire, explosive drones and a suicide vehicle bomb.

At least 23 people were killed and others injured, though there has been no independent confirmation of casualty figures or which side controls the contested positions. Both factions claimed success following the clashes. Mohamed Sheikh Abdullahi Xaayow, spokesperson for the South West State presidency, said government forces had defended themselves against an attack by what he called "terrorist groups," and accused the militant group al-Shabab of involvement. Hassan Abdi Mohamed, an information minister aligned with the Laftagareen faction, offered a differing account according to reports.

Baidoa has faced a deteriorating security situation in recent months, with residents enduring repeated attacks following a disputed political and administrative change in the city. The clashes caused further disruption and hardship for civilians in the regional capital.